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Inverness
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Highland Council Announces Plans to Acquire D&E Coaches

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The Highland Council has confirmed its intention to acquire the entire shareholding of D&E Coaches Ltd, a major step towards improving public transport services in the region.

After a period of negotiations and due diligence, the Council has stated that the acquisition will enable them to address rising costs in providing statutory home-to-school transport services, which have been placing significant pressure on budgets.

The move is also expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce future contract cost risks, and expand the availability of public transport across the Highlands.

If all due diligence processes are successfully completed, the acquisition is set to be finalised in the near future, with the Council aiming to ensure a seamless transition.

It has been confirmed that D&E Coaches will continue to operate on a business-as-usual basis following the change in ownership, with further details to be announced once the acquisition is complete.

Vice Convenor of the Highland Council and Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating:

“I am delighted that negotiations have reached this stage, and as we approach completion, I would like to reassure customers, staff, and suppliers that the transition in ownership will be handled as smoothly as possible.”

Councillor Gowans also highlighted the positive impact this acquisition could have on public transport in the region, adding:

“I am genuinely excited for future public transport opportunities in the Highlands as a result of this expansion of our service.”

Donald Mathieson, Owner and Managing Director of D&E Coaches, reflected on the company’s journey and the decision to transition to public ownership.

He said:

“D&E Coaches has been in business for almost three decades, and as a family firm, we feel we’ve taken the company as far as we can.

“Moving forward, we believe that the acquisition by The Highland Council is the best move for the company and everyone involved, including our staff and customers.”

Mathieson added:

“We are pleased that the company will move into local authority/public ownership, and we’re confident that this will ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.”

This acquisition represents a significant step in the Council’s strategy to address public transport challenges in the Highlands while delivering improved services for local communities.

By bringing D&E Coaches into public ownership, the Council hopes to ensure that essential transport services, including home-to-school travel, can be delivered more cost-effectively and sustainably in the future.

The deal also demonstrates a commitment to supporting local businesses while investing in the long-term needs of the region’s communities and infrastructure.

Further announcements are expected soon, providing more details on how this acquisition will shape the future of public transport in the Highlands.

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